Case military tractor

January 09, 2009

Manufacture of the VA model Case tractor began about a month before World War II was declared. This popular tractor remained in production from 1941 to 1956. Because of the war, production of the VAC tractor for agriculture was curtailed until peace was declared in 1945. During the war years, the company supplied several thousand military tractors identified as model VAIW (VA series Industrial Warehouse). This model had a short wheelbase, tow-motor design, narrow tread, both front and rear; heavy cast fenders and track-type tires and was similar to tow tractors used at airports. The manual for this military tractor included instructions for destroying the tractor should it be in danger of being seized by the enemy. Case production of VA models was at the Rock Island factory. The engines were first produced at Muskegon, Michigan by Continental Motors. Later, Case engine manufacturing was at Rock Island. Production of the VA series included a fixed tread, Orchard, Industrial, and High Clearance models. The Row Crop, or VAC, was by far the most popular model. There were almost 80,000 VACs manufactured. The VAC has been sometimes compared to the John Deere B in terms of popularity by Case owners. Some of the features that accounted for the VAC's popularity and ready acceptance was the attractive styling, hydraulics, adjustable width, foot clutch, fuel efficiency (testing 10.8 horsepower hours per gallon of fuel), Eagle Hitch system (first available in the 1949 models), starter, lights, fenders and two-plow capacity. The tractor was powered by a Case I-head design, four cylinder engine with a 31 by 3 3/4 inch bore and stroke. Other features included a foot operated accelerator for road travel and a hood that opened from the front, making for easy accessibility to radiator, engine, and battery. The VAC weighed about 3,200 lbs. Engine speed was 1425 RPM and produced 15 HP on the drawbar and 21 HP on the belt. The VAC Case was not without considerable competition from other manufacturers in the small tractor category. Especially competitive were the Ford and Ferguson tractors with their three-point hitch, mounted equipment, and attractive selling prices. Most Case enthusiasts are likely to have a VA series tractor in their collection. With the introduction of the VAC, the company advertised Case Flambeau Red tractors. Case called the VAC "The tractor for over 100 jobs." The price of the VA series ranged from about $710 in the mid-'40s to more than $1,500 at the end of production. The Eagle Hitch alone accounted for about $200 of the increased cost. Written by Delmer Dooley, expert on vintage tractors.